Yes. I wanted to use a different word when I first wrote that, but the fact is the fact. Using "Suck" is the best way to ensure we understand each other. With the machine fully cooled at rest take the hoses that lead away from that multivalve out of that drain channel on the front wall.One hose you will not be able to blow or suck through. That's the safety relief in case your boiler ever goes over 1.6Bar. The other hose you should be able to both blow and suck gently through. That's the breather valve ensuring your boiler returns to atmospheric pressure when it cools off completely. That one should slam shut when you suck harder. Ie, once the boiler is boiling and the water is expanding into steam, the flow out through that valve is enough to slam it shut.

The failure to heat fully issue that these machines experience from time to time is when that valve doesn't open back up to atmosphere when the machine is at rest. Then pressure remains trapped in the boiler. The pump comes on, increases the water in the boiler, reducing the air/steam pocket above and making it worse, then the pressostat thinks it's boiled itself up to a good pressure and it stops heating prematurely.

Clean that valve up, either by forcing a bit of citric acid through it and rinsing it, or physically disassembling it for serious cleaning.If disassembling be careful of three things...1: The curved pipe on the boilertop with the compression fitting ends is fragile, don't kink, twist or break it.2: The safety relief side of it should probably not be messed with. If it doesn't leak now, leave it.3: The little spring and spring loaded parts inside your breather valve are going to disappear the moment they escape. The spring will fly across the room and remain hidden until your cat eats it. Disassemble the valve slowly and carefully on a dishtowel with it pointed into the palm of your hand as you unscrew the cap the last turn.

Its nice to see the number of these machines Jims selling over at 1stLine. When I bought mine a couple of months ago he was down to 58 I think and now hes at 42. At this introductory price these are a real bargain I also had to go back a lot of pages to find this thread so i guess. No activity is a good thing in one way,people arejust using their machines and enjoying the heck out of them. Mines still doing great and its been dialed in the from the onset.

Earlier we learned the owner of the company had passed on. Any news on changes to face the company? Also the name issue with E61and Fameas request to not use it anymore. Any news there?

1stline Said:

Most others have an e61 that are after market. There is an Italian company that makes these after market one for most other companies. Right now, I am not sure who owns the patent. I have visited the Vibiemme facility in Italy, and they do not produce theirs themselves. They are made by someone else to their specifications.

A Cimbali/Faema dealer called here several weeks ago and advised that Cimbali/Faema will be sending letters to all those that reference 'e61' in their products to stop advertising as such. I am not about the validity of this. I have seen some Spanish machines that reference the e61 and noted sometimes as eb61. When inspected closely, there are small differences and I 'believe' these are manufactured by a Spanish after market supplier.

I really like my red Cuadra V1 that I recently bought at 1st-line. I have been using it now for a few weeks and have no problem producing excellent espresso shots. Also the microfoam I am able to produce with this machine is worthy of latte art. I opted for the V1 version because I really like the powerful steaming of a 4-hole tip. The no-burn wand comes with a 2-hole tip since the steam is somewhat restricted by the narrower tube. Also 1-st line does not offer the V2 in red.

This machine has a much easier learning curve than my trusty old miss Silvia. I also looked at the Breville Dual Boiler (BDB) and even though it looks like a great machine I am happy that I opted for the Cuadra. It's just more fun when there is still a certain art to making a good shot of espresso. I call my Cuadra my 'Ferrari' because it is capable of producing excellent shots but also has some temperament. And just like Ferraris it will probably break down once a while. But, hey, that is no problem since parts are mostly standard and are widely available.

I really like my red Cuadra V1 that I recently bought at 1st-line. I have been using it now for a few weeks and have no problem producing excellent espresso shots. Also the microfoam I am able to produce with this machine is worthy of latte art. I opted for the V1 version because I really like the powerful steaming of a 4-hole tip. The no-burn wand comes with a 2-hole tip since the steam is somewhat restricted by the narrower tube. Also 1-st line does not offer the V2 in red.

This machine has a much easier learning curve than my trusty old miss Silvia. I also looked at the Breville Dual Boiler (BDB) and even though it looks like a great machine I am happy that I opted for the Cuadra. It's just more fun when there is still a certain art to making a good shot of espresso. I call my Cuadra my 'Ferrari' because it is capable of producing excellent shots but also has some temperament. And just like Ferraris it will probably break down once a while. But, hey, that is no problem since parts are mostly standard and are widely available.

ive had mine just over a month now. much more consistent results than with the lelit i had previously. most shots have been exceptional. with all the flushing and an occasional americano i go through water pretty fast. been thinking of trying the large jar for water setup shown below that someone posted. cant remember if i saw that here or elsewhere. ive had a little trouble getting art worhty milk. tastes great tho. am very happy with my machine

Adding the water jar was the best thing I've done to my Cuadra. Don't know how the pic will show but this is my setup. I only have to fill it maybe 3 times a month instead of every couple of days. And I hated not being able to see the water level. I highly recommend making the change.

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